Retief Goosen and Vijay Singh, among the top five players in the world a decade ago, were part of a six-way tie for the lead in the Northern Trust Open in what amounted to "throwback Thursday" at Riviera.

Coming off the worst season of his career, Brandt Snedeker's mission was to become relevant again. He was eligible for only one major and none of the World Golf Championships and he hated the idea of the world's best players competing without him

Coming off the worst season of his career, Brandt Snedeker's mission was to become relevant again. He was eligible for only one major and none of the World Golf Championships, and he hated the idea of the world's best players competing without him.

Graeme McDowell likes a tough golf course, and Sheshan International was perfect for him Thursday. He opened with seven birdies in 12 holes and then hung on for a 5-under 67 that gave him a two-shot lead after one round of the HSBC Champions.

After winning his past three events, including both the Open Championship and the PGA Championship, Rory McIlroy said on Wednesday that he wants to end his season on a high note by taking the four-event FedEx Cup playoff series.